Timaru’s Mayor and the region’s economic development agency are hoping a jobs fair being held today will be “instrumental” to connect potential employers directly with workers following the Smithfield meatworks closure.
Last month, Alliance Group confirmed the closure of Smithfield meatworks following a two-week consultation period with staff and unions. A “vast majority” of the 600 staff were expected to be made redundant — with some redeployment opportunities.
The closure prompted some experienced workers to look at overseas employment opportunities, with some Australian companies offering generous relocation and recruitment packages.
The Ministry of Social Development — in conjunction with the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Venture Timaru and a number of other support agencies — arranged a job fair at Caroline Bay today.
Timaru District Council Mayor Nigel Bowen told Breakfast the job expo was an opportunity to connect “about 35 employers” with affected workers.
He said the event would be a “great resource” for those wanting to find work in the region.
Nigel Davenport from Venture Timaru said: “We’ve utilised all of our business connections throughout the wider South Canterbury community and the response has really been humbling. The businesses have really stepped up, they’ve got jobs and they want to get in front of these affected workers.
“It’s all about supporting our people, those affected workers and their families. We’re looking forward to a big day.”
Bowen said some of the workers would have to leave the region but said this was an opportunity for other employers to “fill their roster”.
“There’s 100 jobs sitting in Oamaru with the freezing works there; there’s 30, I believe out at Silver Fern farms; and we’re already hearing of people being employed in other industries.
“I’m confident that a lot of people will be able to stay and be able to find work locally.”
Davenport said the Smithfield closure was “not the news we wanted to hear at all”.
“The stark reality of the final decision being made is a pretty tough one,” he said.
He said of the 600 potential employees made redundant, more than 100 had already found other employment or were pursuing other opportunities, and anticipated there were around 300 to 350 still looking for jobs in the area.
“These businesses locally, they’ve got jobs across a variety of different sectors and beyond. It’s a big number to fill, but we’re stepping up and the wider community is too.”
The mayor said Timaru was still the “best place to live in the South island”.
“Its such a wonderful place to live and do business… ring me direct if you want to move your business to Timaru… anything can happen for you.”
